In their first release, Elephant Shell, Tokyo Police Club moved at a frantic pace in most of their songs that would seem difficult for many artists to sustain. However, in their latest effort, Champ, they have not slowed down one bit.
Their new work remains as catchy and upbeat as ever, although the band has shown some signs of maturity as well. While many of their previous songs were simplistic beats with few complexities, the songs on this new album do occasionally take some time to slow down and explore some more nuanced elements.
The album starts out fast with the companion songs, ?Favorite Food? and ?Favorite Color?, and anyone who is familiar with their previous CD should immediately find that the band hasn?t strayed too far from their indie pop roots. Other songs on the album adopt such a peppy tone, like ?Wait Up (Boots of Danger)? and ?Bambi?, but they can get a bit repetitive at times.
The band really finds a sound that works with ?Breakneck Speed?, that represents the best blend of the band?s signature fast paced style with some more introspective moments as well. The song evokes a wistfulness about the loss of youthful innocence that especially rings true as the school year winds down, with lyrics such as ?at the movies, drunk and young/double knots that came undone/but the big bad years are gone? that show lead singer Dave Monks? growing maturity.
The album ends on a slower note, with ?Frankenstein?, which, despite the title, is reminiscent of ?Breakneck Speed?, with both its similar lyrics and subject matter.
Overall, the album reflects the band?s growth over the two years since the release of their first CD. They are well aware that their upbeat tone earned them their notoriety, but they haven?t been afraid to explore some more elaborate themes with both their lyrics and their sound.
The band has recently been touring with bands as popular as Weezer, and hopefully this will raise their profile. More people deserve to hear this fun, catchy band, and hopefully, due to the excellence of Champ, they will.